Inquiry is what drives us all toward new knowledge, but how do we transform children’s natural ability to notice and wonder into the full learning cycle of observing, thinking, and critically questioning?

Through this new edition of the bestselling Why Are School Buses Always Yellow? you’ll find simple, yet systematic ways to develop authentic student inquiry that fosters deep learning. This new edition features:

New and updated activities, checklists, templates, and implementation tools

Alignment with Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards

With this invaluable resource, help students transform their playful wonderings into deeper questions about content—and develop the higher-level thinking skills they need for success in school and in life.

"Educators often talk about developing lifelong learners - our team has had great success using Why Are School Buses Always Yellow? to catalyze professional conversations about how we can better cultivate curiosity through an inquiry approach. I strongly recommend this [new edition] for those who are interested in unlocking the uniquely creative capacity of our youngest learners."Devin Vodicka, Superintendent
Vista Unified School District, Vista, CA

Introduction

Chapter 1. “What’s Wondering Got to Do With It?”: An Overview of Inquiry

Chapter 8. “How Do We Integrate Technology?”: From Crystal Radios to “Explain Everything”

Chapter 9. “How Do We Involve Families in Our Inquiries?”: Encouraging All to Help

Chapter 10. “We Don’t Learn That Way”: Inquiry and Students With Special Needs

Chapter 11. “How Do We Effect Change in Our Classrooms?”: Positive Professional Development

Conclusion

Appendix: Templates

Glossary

References

Index

"Why are School Buses Always Yellow? ignited a fire in our school. With only small tweaks to our units, our teachers saw huge differences. The students were so excited and eager to learn. We have continued to build on that success with a focus on inquiry and Barell’s words of wisdom are often quoted during planning sessions."

Kim Connor, Gifted/Talented Specialist

Parkside Elementary School, Leander, TX

"Educators often talk about developing lifelong learners - our team has had great success using Why Are School Buses Always Yellow? to catalyze professional conversations about how we can better cultivate curiosity through an inquiry approach. I strongly recommend this book for those who are interested in unlocking the uniquely creative capacity of our youngest learners."

Devin Vodicka, Superintendent

Vista Unified School District, Vista, CA

"John discusses simple ways to develop authentic student inquiries using real life examples from teachers around the world illustrating the power of the curious mind in all of us. The new chapter on evaluating sources in the digital age is particularly pertinent for our students. John inspires educators to ensure inquiry drives student learning in the classroom and beyond."

Allyn Raw, Deputy Director and Primary School Principal

Heidelberg International School, Heidelberg, Germany

"Questions give voice to wonderings and provide purpose to learn and broaden horizons. Superbly demonstrated within these covers is the understanding that inquiry is for all – no matter the interest or academic level. How is this possible and achievable? Open this book to discover ideas that can be easily adapted to any learning environment."

Kerry Faber, B.Ed, M.Ed

Ekota Elementary School, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Key features

Provides processes and prompts to empower children to frame good questions about content and search for answers

Available formats

ISBN: 9781506340050

Electronic Version

Suggested Retail Price: $32.95

Bookstore Price: $26.36

ISBN: 9781506323657

Paperback

Suggested Retail Price: $32.95

Bookstore Price: $26.36

Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email sageheoa@sagepub.com. Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html.